Elijah said unto Elisha: this he desires, either,
1. That he, being left alone, might better prepare himself for his great change. Or,
2. Out of his humility and modesty; he desired no witnesses of his glorious removal, and no fame and glory from it. Or,
3. Out of indulgence to Elisha, that he might not be overwhelmed with grief at so sad a sight. Or,
4. That he might try his love, and whet his desire to accompany him; it being highly convenient for God's honour, and the church's good, (which Elijah sought above all things,) that there should be witnesses of so glorious a translation. The Lord hath sent me to Beth-el; which was truth, but not the whole truth; for he was to go a far longer journey. But he was first to go to Beth-el, as also to Jericho, to the schools of the prophets there, that he might comfort and strengthen their hearts in God's work, and give them his last and dying counsels.